Agree the Benchmark is near the top of the current best available and would add the Wyred4sound DAC2. You can use the digital volume control, a power supply the size of many amplifiers, and one of the most reasonably priced of the current state or near state of the art DAC's. Very highly reviewed. If, as someone mentioned, the sound suffers with reduced volume from reduced BIT count, add a preamp later. 6 Moons review listened direct to amp and commented with 24 BITs available, a few can be sacrificed without a discernable loss. Get one, listen, and if it's a problem use a preamp! Trust the ears.....
Can DAC with volume control act as Pre-amp?
Hi!
I was looking at AudioEngine new Digital Analogue Converter, D1 and realized that theoretically it can be used as pre-amplifier.
I usually use a laptop as music source. I intend to buy a DAC then connect this DAC to a integrated amp to drive 2 bookself speakers. However, if a DAC with volume control can act as a pre amp, then it would allow me to buy a really good power amplifier instead of a so-so integrated amp to drive my speakers.
In theory, this will help to improve sound also as the less devices that audio information go through, the less distorted it is. If I connect a DAC with volume to a Integrated amp, then we have an extra volume control for nothing right?
I am not sure if this actually work. Anyone has experience with this? Everyone is welcomed to share some thoughts :)
I was looking at AudioEngine new Digital Analogue Converter, D1 and realized that theoretically it can be used as pre-amplifier.
I usually use a laptop as music source. I intend to buy a DAC then connect this DAC to a integrated amp to drive 2 bookself speakers. However, if a DAC with volume control can act as a pre amp, then it would allow me to buy a really good power amplifier instead of a so-so integrated amp to drive my speakers.
In theory, this will help to improve sound also as the less devices that audio information go through, the less distorted it is. If I connect a DAC with volume to a Integrated amp, then we have an extra volume control for nothing right?
I am not sure if this actually work. Anyone has experience with this? Everyone is welcomed to share some thoughts :)